NestJS vs Koa

Angular's server-side cousin meets express's minimalist cousin. Here's our take.

NestJS

Nice Pick

Angular's server-side cousin. All the decorators, none of the browser drama.

Pros

• Built-in dependency injection makes testing a breeze
• Modular architecture scales well for large projects
• Strong TypeScript support out of the box
• Integrates seamlessly with Express or Fastify

Cons

• Steep learning curve if you're new to Angular-style patterns
• Can feel over-engineered for simple APIs

Koa

Express's minimalist cousin. All the async/await, none of the callback baggage.

Pros

• Async/await support eliminates callback hell
• Lightweight and modular middleware system
• Cleaner error handling with try/catch
• Built by the creators of Express

Cons

• No built-in middleware (you have to install everything)
• Smaller ecosystem compared to Express

The Verdict

Use NestJS if: You want built-in dependency injection makes testing a breeze and can live with steep learning curve if you're new to angular-style patterns.

Use Koa if: You prioritize async/await support eliminates callback hell over what NestJS offers.

The Bottom Line

NestJS wins

Angular's server-side cousin. All the decorators, none of the browser drama.